Episodes

Nick Mindel, a partner with Amberstone, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm focused on mid-stage investments in fast-growing consumer brands, shared specific details about each of its funding deals of the past 12 months, how trends influence the way the firm evaluates investment opportunities, financial metrics that will make or break a company and why Amberstone will continue to invest in consumer brands despite widespread concerns of economic slowdown.

David Greenfeld, the founder and CEO of better-for-you frozen novelty and candy brand Dream Pops, spoke about the duality of marketing indulgent food made with healthier ingredients, leveraging the brand’s flagship popsicles as a springboard into shelf-stable products, why every CPG company needs to also be a “content company,” and why consistency is the most important aspect of Dream Pops’ social media strategy.

In this episode of Taste Radio, the hosts discussed YouTube sensation Emma Chamberlain’s foray into the coffee business as the founder of Chamberlain Coffee, the surprising news that Haus, a promising brand of low-ABV aperitifs, is shutting down and the launch of Coca-Cola Dreamworld. This episode also features the latest installment of The Maxi Minutes, in which LDR Ventures co-founder Maxine Kozler Koven offered tips on how to get current investors to join subsequent funding rounds.

Jen Liao, the co-founder of XCJ, a fast-growing direct-to-consumer frozen food brand inspired by Chinese street cuisine, spoke about how rapid planning and thoughtful execution have paid massive dividends in the company’s development, why self-manufacturing was the only path forward and how XCJ is managing multiple business divisions while continuing to grow and maintain quality standards.

Charles Joly, an acclaimed mixologist and co-founder of pioneering RTD cocktail maker Crafthouse Cocktails, discussed how the brand has distinguished itself via quality, consistency and variety, the impact of his experience and reputation in its development and how focusing on taste helped establish and cement the company’s relationships with retail buyers.

Mustard-based donuts, beer-infused sneakers, cheese cocktails… No, this episode isn’t about trying to gross you out. Rather, the hosts discuss recent marketing campaigns, collaborations and limited-edition merchandise involving legacy and small brands. This episode also features Dr. Emma Walker, the master blender for Johnnie Walker, answering a ten-pack of questions about her trailblazing role and the future of the iconic Scotch whisky brand.

Heather Terry, the founder and CEO of ambitious platform brand GoodSam Foods and the co-founder of trailblazing chocolate company NibMor, spoke about why acknowledging a lack of business acumen is important for early-stage founders, why adhering to brand mission is paramount to an operational strategy and how GoodSam aligns with consumers and retailers that embrace its vision.

Charlie and Andy Nelson, brothers and co-founders of heritage-inspired spirits brand Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, spoke about how thoughtful networking was critical to identifying key partners and advisors, why they never wanted to be the smartest people in the room when starting the company, why they turned down millions of dollars during one of their first funding rounds and how they assessed Constellation Brands’ offer to invest and eventually acquire a controlling stake in the company.

In this episode, BevNET reporter Brad Avery joined Taste Radio’s regular hosts and discussed his recent article about an innovative “scent-flavored hydration system” that is making inroads in the U.S. They also spoke about 7-Eleven’s embrace of upstart brands and shared personal takes on several new products, including grain-free donuts and spicy (if not NOSH-y) potato chips. Also in this podcast: a brief recap of annual cocktail convention Tales of The Cocktail and the latest edition of The Maxi Minutes.

In this episode, we’re joined by Morgan McLachlan, co-founder and master distiller of botanical spirits and lifestyle company AMASS and also the co-founder of De Soi, a brand of non-alcoholic aperitifs co-developed with music icon Katy Perry. McLachlan spoke about how her career in the film industry guided her focus on creative distilling methods, AMASS’ distinctive branding and positioning, how De Soi is an expression of a new phase in her life and the origins of her partnership with Perry.